Meredith Blevins's Annie Szabo has another wacky adventure in this one. Annie is the widow of a gypsy who left her with three young children when his motorcycle went off a cliff. The girls are grown now and Annie has gotten tight with her MIL, Mina, who is a seer, a sexpot, you name it. The entire cast of characters is off-the-wall and Annie is right in there with the best of them. Hummingbird Wizard, the first book, has Mina and Annie reconciling after years of conflict. Mina's other son has become the Hummingbird Wizard, a mystical shaman-like will-o-the-wisp, and he pops in and out. Throw in San Francisco's Chinatown, the Sonoma coast, and you are off to the circus. The Missing Goddess, book two, is about a real circus and the zany characters continue to repond to Annie's siren call. The core of these puzzles is always family, strong in the gypsy culture and in the circus as well. I love this bunch and am reading the next one, The Red Hot Empress, soon. Thank you, whoever you are, for recommending Wizard.

Some of our favorite authors are really doing a number on me. I just finished the Michael Connelly one, graded it as terrific, last night started Harlen Coben's newest, "The Woods" - - wow. He gets better with each book. I'm over half way through it, and was up till 4:00 am reading, finally fell asleep when the storm passed over. Began again this morning. It is a real puzzler! Everyone run to the library and check it out!

jane, thanks for the nice new mystery-conversation "nook".

Meredith Blevins sounds really interesting. Will look for her. I am reading a Ann McMillan, done in the time of the civil war in Richmond. I do like her very much. Good writer and I hope to read more.

Oh, I love Ann Mcmillan. I had forgotten her. Thanks for a reminder. Her books are really great.

Joan Hess has a new Claire Malloy mystery out, too, if others are Hess fans. Title is Damsels in Distress

jane

What a surprise my library had on the shelf today! The new Carol O'Connell(Mallory) book. I was wondering when she would give us a new one! Now you all know what I will be doing this afternoon and tonight R E A D I N G! Yea! Books! (just doing my cheerleader routine - LOL)

There has been an English series on Western Canadian T.V. titled "The Last Detective" based on the books by English author Leslie Thomas. I got one of his books from the Library: "Dangerous Davies, the Last Detective". I recommend the series and the book (he has written very many others on other topics too). The characters in his book are so well described and are hilarious, about this detective who gets his man by gosh-and-by-golly and with the help of his laid-back assistant. A good read for a wet Sunday. Lots of fun.

M allory.. Oh me,, I bet it is still hard cover. I always wait until paperback, but Mallory is one of the most interesting characters in years.

Steph, yes it is hardcover. Title "Find Me". It's very good, but a tad confusing throughout, with one particular question (occurrence at the beginning of the book) never fully answered or "solved". I love the Detective Riker character, and he plays a very large part in this book. I also like "Charles".

Charles.. Why oh why cannot Mallory see the devotion and love. I sympathize with Charles. I want her to notice him..

I just finished my second Stephen White - "Dry Ice". I found it a wonderful read as was the other I read - "Kill Me". I'll look for more of his books. Any one read this author?

JudytheKay

Forgot to mention that I recently read a Laurie King mystery - The Art of Detection. It combines her Kate Martinelli series with one of Conan Doyle's lost Sherlock Holmes manuscritp. Very Good.

JudytheKay

Gentleben: - The Last Detective series showed here late last year - loved it - Dangerous Davies and his sidekick were both great as were the fellow detectives but somehow I couldn't take to Mrs Dangerous - I haven't read the book/s - maybe I should look for them at the library.

I'm not a great fan of the mystery/detective genres but now and again they suit my mood.

In the book Mr.& Mrs.Dangerous are separated but living in the same house with all the others, and her name and the dog's are not the same as in the series, but otherwise the series follows the book quite well. Here in Western Canada we get TV series long after the rest of the world and the British ones come over on U.S. stations! I too don't read many mysteries but I like to relax with a well-written one that does not have a lot of shooting and dead bodies. I prefer light humour.

Gentleben: I like the humorous ones too. A lot of people must agree -- luckily for us, there are more and more of them. Who have you found you like?

I have read all of Stephen Whites except the last and do have it, but have not read it yet. Good writer. Holds my attention most of the time. Just finished Sea Change by Robert Parker.. Not a Spenser, but the Police chief hung up on his ex wife.. This is a constant theme with Parker. All three of his series characters are hung up on a love. Spensers is with him, although she has run away several times . I done Like Susan Silverman, but Spencer adores her. Sunny Randal is hung on her ex husband, who loves her, but cannot keep her and the policeman lives off and on with his exwife, who has been extremely destructive to both him and her.. Interesting that Parker uses this as an underlying theme.

I don't know if this is true, but I understand that Robert B Parker and his wife share a house, one lives up stairs the other down stairs. By the way, she is also an author.

Parker's books are as much about the continuing characters as the mystery to be solved. He is one of my favorite authors.

Parkers wife may be an author, but I suspect a very unsuccessful one. We used to live in that area and at that point, they were separated and possibly even divorced for a time. From all indications he adores her and she wants wants wants.. No idea what they do today. I know they got back together for a while. You can generally tell from the books ( Spenser) what is happening. When the dog appears in the books, it also started appearing in the pictures of Parker..

Reminds me of the Texas song writer,..I think it was Floyd Tillman. He lived near my aunt and uncle, and they said he and his wife fought a lot. After every rift, they would know another song was coming out. Tillman's best known was probably the 'cheating' song "Slippin' Around". Don't you know his wife hated how his side got publicized?

Babi

I used to be a mystery reader back when but now only pick one up for light relief from more serious reading or on holiday. I cant remember any humorus mysteries that I may have read but I do enjoy Dick Francis' books. Pity he doesn't seem to be writing these days. I recognise many of the places in the U.K. where his murders happen, and his descriptions are very real.

Gentleben, try Nancy Martin or Laurence Shames for humor.

Gentleben ~ Dick Francis's wife died. She had been his silent author with his books.

interesting stuff about one of my favorites, Robert B. Parker; didn't realize his wife is an author. Does she have any thing published? Didn't I read somewhere that he writes a food/cooking column for a newspaper? He sure knows how to whip up a good meal.

Some time ago, I read about 2 series of mysteries; 1 with a puzzle theme, the other with a quilt theme. Don't have a clue who the authors are and would love your help in finding them.

Just finished The Abduction by James Grippando. Have read a couple of his lately and am becoming a fan of his. The Abduction was pretty exciting...dealing with the kidnapping of the granddaughter of a presidential candidate, a former general (black) and the attempts of the other presidential candidate (female, attorney general), to find the missing child. how do they think up this stuff anyway?

Quilts.. Posssibly Jean Hager? She also does Indians in a small series. I am struggling with a Annie Laurie and Max series book.. Very very formula.. I wondered why I was not reading her anymore and now decided that is why..

I'm just now starting, finally, on Gene Berry's "The Amber Room". It's looking good. Thanks for the recommendations here.

Babi

In her series Earlene Fowler names each book after a quilt pattern and her heroine is the curator of a museum which features quilts. The setting is probably San Luis Obispo as it is a college town inland from Moro Rock in California's central coast area. Benni Harper is daughter of a local ranching family and is married to the local police chief which ties in to the crimes she encounters. Very nice setting and interesting characters. I've read every one.

Thanks, Golden. I will try the books you mentioned if I can find them in my library. Ginny - I did not know Francis' wife had died but I had heard she had co-authored his books. Perhaps that's why he is no longer writing. My favourite authors have a habit of dying.

If the "puzzle" theme is crossword puzzles, the books are pprobably the "puzzle lady" series by Parnell Hall. Manny Novotsky, one of our Seniornetters, wrote some of the crossword puzzles for it.

That was an expensive post. I went into Amazon to see how to spell Parnell, and found a new one about to come out in paperback "You Have tthe Right to Remain Puzzled". Pf course, I preordered it!

JoanK, my oldest son's middle name is Parnell. We had a friend who always called him "Purnell." I almost ended up liking Purnell more than Parnell. She could say the word so prettily.

I love the puzzle mysteries. I haven't read the whole series. After I finish "Marley & Me," I am going to read "When Death Comes Stealing" by Valerie Wilson Wesley.

Valerie Wilson Wesley

Death Comes Stealing

Babi, I am glad you are enjoying "The Amber Room."

Audio books and knitting are a good pair for me. So I listened to a Reacher book, The Visitor, and my needles just raced along. BUT I was annoyed by the mispronunciation of some geographic names and the narrator's attempt to delineate various characters by lame voice changes. Plus "he said..she said". repeated and repeated. Overall the experience was positive and I shall listen to other audio books. One of the disks was defective so there was a gap in the story. Now that I'm used to this narrator I'll stick with Reacher for a while although the Mary Russell stories sound great, too. Makes the time pass more quickly when I'm puttering around the house (I don't do housework anymore, just putter: filling/emptying the dishwasher, folding laundry, etc.) Works better than listening to NPR; I made so many mistakes while I was listening to Alberto Gonzales testifying that I had to start the sweater over!

Mrs Sherlock is there really a quilt mueseum?

Looked up this book in my local library (online) since so many of you liked it. Found there is a long list of folk waiting to read this so its popular here in British Columbia too, and I will have to join the queue. Another book with exactly the same title, Marley & Me, is the biography of the Jamaican singer Bob Marley.

There is a wonderful quilt museum, small but significant and beautiful quilts, in Paducah, Kentucky. We spent the night there once on a trip to see our son's family in Illinois and what a nice surprise the quilt museum was. Sue

Thanks Sue I sure would love to take Candi someplace like that. She is a marvelous quilter

Just Google "Quilt Museum" and you will find them all over the country. That one in Pacucah sounds really special but even my old home town of San Jose has a museum of Quilts and Textiles.

Judy, I thought that Pedlin mentioned a quilt museum when we were doing bookies at the beach?

Today's local papers had reviews of four mysteries which I am dying to read. 1. Spokane author Patrick Macmanus has written the second in a series about Sheriff Bo Tulley of Blight, Idaho: Avalanche follows The Blight Way. Macmanus's previous books were compilations of his newspaper columns where he earned a reputation for humor and wit.

2. Lee Child's Jack Reacher is back in Bad Luck and Trouble.

3. Harry Bosch appears in Michael Connelly's The Overlook.

4. Up in Honey's Room by Elmore Leonard combines a western with a spy story and a light sex comedy according to Jeff Baker's review in today's Oregonian.

Have you read any good reviews lately?

thanks everyone for the info about the "puzzle" and "quilt" series of books. Will check them out at the library. still reading from the 12 books I bought at the library book sale. Then our little town has a Community Garage Sale Day sponsored by the local Friends of the Library so I was "forced" to go to several sales and, of course, just "had" to buy some books. What fun. One sale had paperbacks for 25 cents so I went nuts..but actually bought them for a friend who just had surgery. Off to continue my James Grippando book, Under Cover of Darkness. Really am liking this guy.

thanks again for the info.

I just finished Dan Brown's DIGITAL FORTRESS, and must say I was very irritated with Mr. Brown.

His characters are the top brains of the NSA, the codebreakers and computer wizards. Yet, in order to build up the proper amount of drama and tension, he has them doing really DUMB things!

The character threatening the NSA lets them know he has a partner with the same very important key, so that if anything happens to him, the partner will immediately reveal all. He even reveals the on-line identity of this partner, so NSA can confirm for themselves that he exists and has been in communication with our villain. Our brainy top code-breakers never notices that the 'partners' name is an anagram for the villains name.

It gets better. Our heroine passes the room where a supposedly dangerous man has been tied and gagged. He is now not only untied and ungagged, he has typed a full confession (unsigned) and committed suicide with a gun that she last saw in another room with another person. And she buys it. Somehow the guy untied himself and did all this,...and she must have been mistaken about where she last saw the gun. (duh!)

Finally, the crisis. They need a numerical key to stop a worm from destroying the NSA databank. The villain (now dead) never intended things to go this far, and has left them a clue. The brains spend twenty minutes researching all sorts of elaborate possibilities (I won't bore you with details), while I'm sitting there yelling '3'!!!, you morons!

Bah, humbug. ...Babi

Babi: I strike that one from my list! Thanks for the info.

Babi.. wow,, you really did not like it. Since I am not particularly a Dan Brown, was not on my list anyway, but I love it when someone has really really strong reactions to anything.

Yeah, I guess I did come across pretty strong.

Babi

Babi: I've had that feeling that the author seems to think so little of the reader's intelligence that those things won't be noticed. Infuriates me, too. I've wasted my time, my money and my attention.

Yeah! You took the words right out of my mouth. I think I threw the book across the room in the end - but yeah 3 you moran really says it all!

And I was a Dan Brown fan at the time - sadly no longer!

I am reading Black Out by Anne Solomon. It is hard to put down once I've picked it up. Her Like a Knife was a very good read.

Hi Scrawler, long time no see.

Ran into a book and tape sale yesterday and promptly bought the audio tape or two.. Got some books that are mysteries with fairly obscure authors. Will let everyone know once I read if they are any good..

I am currently reading Tami Hoag's "Dust to Dust". It is gory to say the least. However, I am enjoying it. The hero is Sam Kovac and his police partner, Nikki Liska. They are investigating what appears to be the suicide of a gay internal affairs cop. They won't let go when the department wants to leave it that way.

I've always enjoyed Hoag's books. My daughter recently brought home a sack of books a friend had passed on to her. There is a Tami Hoag among them, as well as a John LesCroart and 2-3 others you would all recognize. Bonanza!

Babi

I'm glad some of you are as irritated by Dan Brown as I am! I only read "The de Vinci Code" but talking about him makes me foam at the mouth. Don't get me started!

This isn't my month! My f2f mystery club is reading (of all things) The Maltese Falcon. We had all seen the movie, but none of us had read the book I never thought the movie made any sense, and now I know why. The book doesn't make any sense either. I remember reading something else of Hammett's years ago (can't remember what) that I thought was much better.

Reading.. Promise Me..by Harlen Coben.. Excellent and I am glad to see Myron back, although he still wont grow up.. Maybe by the end of the book.

I've put a hold on Coben's "Out of the Woods" at the library. I haven't read any of his books yet. He was brought to my attention here and I'm looking forward to seeing how I like him. Babi

Having read Amagansett by Mark Mills and loved it I had to read his new one, The Savage Garden. This is very different in milieu but so far has the complex characterizations and situations. Amagansett is about mysterious deaths in the Long Island fishing/summer cottage society of 1946; and Garden follows a Cambridge doctoral candidate's art history research into an Italian garden design, unchanged since its 16th century establishment. There are hints of secrets around various deaths connected to the garden: the young bride whose memorial the garden is was 30 years in her grave before her husband set it up.

I am reading a book "The Legacy" by D.W.Buffa. It is a courtroom drama set in San Francisco. So far, I find it quite interesting. A US Senator is murdered and the police have arrested a young black man, Jamaal Washington who was at the scene with the gun. To win a case that none of the locals will touch, Joseph Antonelli is brought in from Oregon to defend him. This book has very little gore or swearing. It is in the old Perry Mason tradition. I find that I like it.

Here is the author's web site:

http://www.dwbuffa.com/

GoldenStatePoppy, this sounds like an interesting plot. Thank you for the link.

I just finished two of Lee Child's (not Lincoln Child) mysteries, One Shot, and Hard Way. The have all kinds of twists and turns. The hero is very violent, for some unknown reason I find his way of solving the problem ok with me. Feels just right.

Uh,...you got some issues we should know about, FRANCY LOU?

Babi

Lee Child is a must read author for me. I get many newsletters from publishers, so that is probably how I jumped onto reading his work. I started with his first and had to wait for each one after it. The wait was/is worth it!

Am reading my third Margaret Truman mystery. This one is Murder at the National Gallery, about a Caraveggio exhibit at the gallery. Guess i have to go look at his paintings. She gives a nice description of many of them, she obviously did her homework for this book.

I also read Murder at Ford's Theater and Murder at the FBI......very enjoyable........jean

I just started Meredith BLevins.."The Hummingbird Wizard" and am enchanted by her. What a wild and different author.. Mixing gypsies, real life and death and a psychic lover. Whew..

I have just finished D.W.Buffa's book, "The Legacy". It is am amazing story. It held my attention to the surprise ending. It has no bad language, no fist fights, no car chases. It involves the death of a gobernial candidate in California. As the attorney who comes to defend the accused learns, everyone in San Francisco has something to hide. I can certainly recommend this book and others by the author.

You caught my attention, STEPHANIE. I'm adding Blevins to my list.

Babi

I am just loving Blevins.. Quite a different kettle of fish from our normal mysteries..

I can just see me out there taking care of the BAD guys! I agree I'd invite anyone to read.

the Blevins books sound fascinating; always looking for new (to me) authors. Any Ridley Pearson fans out there? his website says he has a new one and I cannot wait. Just finished 2 quick reads that didn't really impress me much: The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner (some of her newer ones are a bit better) and Night Whispers by Judith McNaught. This last one I thought would be a good mystery. Hah! had to have some of the hokiest dialogue ever going; the jacket blurb called it the "stunning new bestseller".etc.etc. Made me want to look up the definition of "stunning"!!

mabel1015: glad you enjoy the Margaret Truman books; I've read th em all; you are right about her meticulous attention to detail; I think she has a new one; as long as there are places in D.C. she will write about them.

I just finished Donna Leon's new book "Suffer the Little Children" with Commissario Guido Brunetti. I was so looking forward to another in this series but I was disappointed with this one. I didn't like the ending at all. It seems Leon is more cynical in this book than usual. I'd be interested in how others feel about the book and if they see a difference in her writing,

Cornelia Read's first novel, Wheel of Darkness, is an intricate mystery. Her dialogue is good, her characters are clearly delineated. One caveat, it is violent. I will look forward to her next book.

I am reading the latest Amelia Peabody in paperback. Not much mystery, but oh me she does make me laugh and I also learn a bit more about Egypt and how to excavate or not..

I am reading the latest Lee Child book. Bad Luck and Trouble is hard to put down. His short chapters keep me thinking just one more and with that I fell asleep in my reading chair.

I am reading "Show of Evil" by William Diehl. It begins with an unsolved murder of Linda Balfour who has a cryptic message on her head in blood. It turns out it is linked to the viscious murder of Bishop Rushman, a beloved Chicago clergyman, 10 years earlier. It was done by Aaron Sampler, who was saved from the electric chair by Martin Vail who used the split personality defense, which results in Aaron being sent to a mental hospital.

I looked up Diehl on the Internet. He began writing at age 50 and died a few years ago.

Diehl wrote two or three on this man. I gave up after two, since they kept trying to kill him off and then he would show up again. The first two were compelling.. And the idea he wrote a fourth is amazing.

I am reading another in Lee Child's series about Jack Reacher. "Trip Wire" is an earlier one and equally compelling. It is about Reacher living in Key West and digging swimming pools. He lives and works under assumed names. He has set up trip wires to alert him if someone is looking for him. Both his first and second trip wire are tripped on the same day, setting him off to New York City to find Mrs. Jacob. He arrives to find that Mrs. Jacob is his teenage love. However, there are bad guys trying to find her to kill her.

I remember that one; wastn't the second level wire tripped before the first level? That man can write!

Reading the Lauri King "The art of Detection" in paperback. She is a compelling writer for me.. Can you imagine someone so consumed with Sherlock to pattern their whole house ,clothes and life after him??

A local visit by Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/living/ci_6138482

Darn, with I was in California for that!

Wow! And many thanks for the link! Sue

Just finished Lost by Michael Robotham and really enjoyed it. Recently read his first novel Suspect. Both have 2 of the same characters: Homocide Detective Vincent Ruiz and Psychologist Joe O'Loughlin (who in Suspect had just been diagnosed with Parkinsons). The books are set in London tho the author lives in Sydney, Australia. I am anxiously awaiting his third book. I also see that Joseph Wambaugh finally has a new book out; has anyone read it? He's long been one of my favorites

I'm reading Jeffrey Archer's "False Impression". It's fast-paced and believable, and you really want to see the bad guy get his come-uppance. An enjoyable book.

Babi

I've become a fan of audio books; I listen while I knit. Right now it's The Camel Club by David Baldacci; very exciting and my needles just race along.

I haven't seen her name mentioned here but Sarah Shaber writes a series about a professor named Simon Shaw who becomes known as a forensic historian after his solution of a 70-year-old murder in the first book, Simon Said. There are three more "cold cases. The fifth one just came out; Shell Game is about a murder happening in his time, one of his closest friends. As is usual in fictional academia the atmosphere is a combination of hugs and knives-in-the-back. This is another author whose books I just grab when I see her name.

And I've never heard of her before. Another name I need to check out. ...Babi

Giles Blunt's By the Time You Read This is a shocker, definitely a roller coaster ride. Run, do not walk, to your library/book store to get your copy.

I have read two of Blunts and have a third with me in our trip, but this one sounds like a new one. Will check it out, since I really like him.. Amazing how the weather is part of his stories.

The Devil's Feather is the title of a new Minette Walters and it is stunning. Was the female war correspondent really kidnapped in Bagdad on her way to the airport? Why is she so reticent about the details? No other kidnap episode lasted a mere three days; why was she released so soon and why is no group claiming the coup? Walters' tale is revealed through straight narrative interspersed with emails. What a cast of characters she can invent!

I love Walters.. Can hardly wait to read this one. She can make you go in circles and never actually know who told the truth.

I have just finished a book by Elmore Leonard, "Mr. Paradise". It is worth the read. Mr. Paradise has a mistress, Chloe, to whom he pays $5,000/mo to come to his house in a cheerleader's outfit when he is watching a ballgame and do cheers topless. One night, she brings her roommate with her...Kelly, a Victoria's Secret model. Mr. Paradise and Chloe are shot while Kelly and his manservant are upstairs. The mystery of who shot them consumes Detroit Homicide Detective Frank Delsa.

I'm reading my first Harlan Coben, and find I'm enjoying his style very much. It's "Gone for Good", and I like the narrators wry conversations with himself.

Babi

I just finished Catalogue of Death and really didn't like it. I don't know if silly is the right word. Oh well to each his own as everyone says. Cloudy and rainy here as usual.

All I can say is that Miss Zukas charm grows on you.

Babi,,Harlan Coben is really good. Writes two distinctly different types.. He has stand alones that are very very mysterious and then of course the sports agent, who is great fun.

I've had a hold on another Harlan Coben - "Out of the Woods" - at the library for a couple of weeks now, but so far I haven't received it. It's possible there may be other readers waiting ahead of me.

"Gone for Good" is definitely mysterious. There are elements (the three boyhood friends) that remind me of "Mystic River". Is the sports agent a series? I'm not a big sports fan, tho'.

Babi

I would like to try a Harlan Coben book. I always hear about his books. I have started 'Last Lessons of Summer' by Margaret Maron.

I've read two Miss Zukas books and enjoyed both of them. Have another on reserve at the library. I just finished the third book "The Right Attitude to Rain" in Alexander McCall Smith's Philosophy Club series. Each successive book has gotten better. I especially liked this story. The end was very interesting and surprising. I sure hope he writes the sequel soon. I know that some of you don't like this series but it has sort of gotten me hooked. Although they are classified as mysteries, they are more in a general category as far as I am concerned.

Hats: Here's a site which has a list of award winning mysteries, new books by month, HB and PB. I use it extensively to look for books by favorite authors and for new authors. I love the name: Stop You're Killing Me: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/ Also the new Bookmarks magazine has an article on mysteries: The Best Crime and Mystery Books.

Great! Thanks Mrs. Sherlock.

As I'm knitting I'm listening to a Barbara Holloway novel by Kate Wilhelm. Kate writes mysteries but the physical act of murder is always off-camera, so to speak. The real action is mental as Barbara, a lawyer in Eugene,OR, performs feats that take us twisting and turning through legal tangles to reach her goal: an unindicted client. There is no author I pick up more quickly than a Kate Wilhelm. She is tops.

I ordered "Catalogue of Death", the new Miss Zukas mystery, weeks ago when Ginny first mentioned it. I finally got it today. It seems the mailman tried to deliver it when we weren't home, and then didn't send me a notice. Finally, they sent a "final notice, that they were sending it back, and I dashed to the post office and got it. What a pain!!

But so far, I love the book. They're all snowed in in the library!

Mrs. Sherlock: maybe I should try a Kate Wilhelm audio book - must admit I read one of hers recently, "Sleight of Hand" and thought it was one of the most boring books I"ve ever read! I told myself that I would never read another of hers with her lady lawyer main character. But....you've convinced me that maybe I'll try another one! Am reading "Act of Revenge" by Robert Tanenbaum - verdict is still out - kind of plodding but, at the same time, good story

Also reading "Dark Paradise" by Tami Hoag - I usually love her stuff; however, I think she must be channeling Danielle Steele or Jackie Collins in this one! there's a mystery in here somewhere but the "heroine" is too busy hopping into bed with the "hero"...and Hoag has put in every detail..and I mean every..of their romps in the hay. Let me use my imagination for heavens sakes;doing that also makes for a good mystery!

Thanks for the alert, PEACE. I generally enjoy Tami Hoag's books, but I definitely do not like sex books thinly disguised as something else. She has drifted away from her earlier style, which I found much more enjoyable.

Babi

I don't remember Sleight of Hand; probably read it since I read all her books. Kate's strength is in her characterizations and in Barbara's legal maneuverings. You may not enjoy Defense for the Devil either. It is amazingly 13 hours on one CD which my player had no trouble playing. So much nicer than having to jump up to change disks which always seems to happen when I'm trying ro execute some tricky counting of stitches and complicated needle work. The Holloway books contain much about Barbara's personal life also so it is important to read them in order.

Harlan Coben..the sports agent is a series and a good one. Very different from his stand alones, but interesting indeed. I really like him and was surprised to discover it.

I just finished Coben's "Gone for Good". Talk about twist, after twist, after twist. Coben really goes in for complicated! Babi

I am reading "A House Divided" by Deborah LeBlanc. It is a ghost story which I don't usually like. However, she does such a good job with the characters that I have kept reading. It is the story of a house that is cut in two to move. Everyone connected with it is harmed because the house once was home to a woman who killed her husband and children. I will let you know at the end, how I feel about it.

Brad Meltzer's The Book Of Fate is a book that I have found is hard to put down.

I finished the book, "A House Divided" yesterday evening. It proved to be quite haunting. I would recommend it to those who like spooky happenings and a happy ending. As one reviewer said, "It is a hair-raising tour de force that is as darkly disturbing as it is utterly readable."

Margaret Truman's audio Murder at the Washington Tribune is haunting in its portrayal of a premier crime reporter's involvement in the murder investigations of two young women, one a Tribune employee. Exellent characterizations of the Trib employees, the reporter's family and contacts, and the stresses of the old guard as it tries to come to terms with the Young Turks who seek to replace them. 10 hours of listening on one CD!

I just finished "Virgin of the Small Plain" by Nancy Pickard. I was different than other books I've read. Took a lot of thinking to figure out how she came to her concluecion (sorry for bad spelling).

Found a new( for me) author and am enjoying her. P.B.Ryan and the book is Death on Beacon Hill. Seems to be the second one in a series and she has also written a stand alone. Boston in the mid 1800's after the war and the protagonist is a Governess ( an irish one which was unheard of). She seems to have quite a past and also a relationship with an adult son in the household. All in all a different sort of historical.

I don't know, FRANCY LOU. Con-'clue'-cion seems pretty apt, if it isn't precisely correct spelling.

Babi

Yep you are correct, here is the meaning:
A conclusion is a final proposition, which is arrived at after the consideration of evidence, arguments or premises.

I belive she had all of that, lol.

Reading one of the latest Robert Parkers.. This one is a Sunny Randall book, but Jesse is there as well as the horrid Susan Silverman..(Boo..Hiss). But I like Sunny, conflict and all and Jesse has grown on me since I can now imagine him as Magnum grown older.. Thank you Tom Selleck. Now to put a face on Sunny

Has anyone read the Michael Ohayon series by Batya Gur? He is a Chief Superintendent for the Jerusalem police. I'm reading Bethlehem Road Murder and it is very interesting. The jacket describes her novels as"psychologically astute" and the Chief Superintendent as "brooding and attractive". I always look forward to reading about other places and cultures, sort of vicarious traveling. There are several books in the series and I want to read each one.

JACKIE: I've read a couple of hers. Especially interesting to me, since I lived in Israel. They are darker than most of the things I read, but I like them. But they should be read in order, since his personal life gets rather complicated, and I've never been able to find enough of them together to see what the order is. One of our web sites would help with that.

Fantastic Fiction has them listed in order: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/batya-gur/ I think I'll return this to the library and start with the first one.

The ones I read were "Murder on a Kibbutz" and the musical one (that was very interesting). I'm sorry to see that she has passed away.

I will write the author down since I like books on different cultures.. or at least some of then. Finished the Parker.. Sort of not much of a mystery, but an interesting book all the same. He writes so that you keep reading no matter what. Not sure why he tanglels up Sunny and Jesse. His protagonists are always hung up good or bad on just one human and both of them have an ex, that fits the bill.

I have just finished Tami Hoag's "Prior Bad Acts". It is difficult to put down. A woman judge rules that the prior record of a man arrested for a horrific crime, cannot be used in his trial. This enrages the entire community which is convinced of his guilt. She is attacked and many feel she deserves it. The hero, Sam Kovak, A hothead with two failed marriages behind him, is assigned to guard the judge.

It was an accident that I had this book by Tami Hoag at all. I don't care for her horsey books, but this one was quite different. I finished the book in three days which is a record for me and I recommend it.

I read that one, POPPY. It did hold one's interest, but so far I have like most of Hoag's books. I'm not sure what you mean by the 'horsey' ones, tho', unless you mean a couple with a Western sort of setting. I loved the dialogue in those.

Babi

I've always been enthralled by the Amish; did research for a thesis in grad school but did not finish. Now P L Gaus has jogged my interest again with his series Ohio Amish Mystery's first, Blood of the Prodigal. Plus there are several more! Our protagonist is a local college professor who slowly ingratiates himself into the wary Amish family of a bishop when he is hired to find the bishop's prodigal son. Of course things go down hill from there.

I envy you having a novel last three days, Since I've retired, I usually finish one in a few hours--maybe a snack break or coffee in the middle. I go through a lot of books.

I liked the Tammy Hoag book. Just read it a couple of days ago. One of my favorite authors is Stuart Woods. Just reread two of his latest. Was not sure I read them until they arrived. I was just too stubborn to not read them again (After all,I paid for them again).

Started Flash Point by Linda Barnes tonight. Am half way through it. When I give up here, I will probably finish it.

Does any one else read the 'In Death' series by J. D. Robb (another name for Nora Roberts)?

Cam Whetstone

(GSP, remember me from computers?)

CAM: I have the same problem. That's the one trouble with mystery stories: it takes a year to write them and only a few hours to read them. Lucky I like a lot of different authors!

Welcome, Cam. I am just retiring from teaching computers to Seniors. My last class is tomorrow.

I am reading Michael Connelly's "The Last Coyote". Harry Bosch is on leave from his dective position because he slugged his superior. He is forced to go for counseling. He is renovating his earthquake damaged house and decides to investigate his mother's murder forty years ago. As he does, he stirs up a lot of old animosities.

The Last Coyote was a haunting story. What an apt title.

Sorry, this turned into a novel--I'm not usually so long winded, but things kept piling on....

I've read all the Harry Bosch novels. How about J. A. Jance? She has two: Bo a Seattle Detective, and Johanna Brady (now something else--she got married), an Arizona Sheriff. I think I have read all of hers too. I have a James Patterson book now. I got started in it last night after finishing the Carlotta Carlyle book. Just have not gotten back to it yet today. I have read most of his. How about the Prey Books? I like those. I think Amazon has notified me that there is a new one coming out.

The weather here is abominable. Our house does not have central air. To keep electric bills lower (but they are never low), I retire to my room, which has a window unit, and play on the computer like now.

Most of the books I buy are used from Amazon Sellers. They are a lot cheaper and I can't afford to buy a half dozen books a week at $20 a shot. I have a hard time buying that many now that the cheap ones have gone up from $3.50 to $4.00 (with shipping).

I used to know of a used book store that would offer one for two. I could really save on that deal. I gave up on book stores for the most part since I can buy new from Amazon for under $20 when the Book Store wants $25 or more.

I also read the 'The Cat Who' series by Braun. Light reading and I like cats. I have a 14-year-old American Short Hair named Waldo who is just crazy enough to fit into this family.

Oh Patricia Cornwall, and Sara Paretski also. I once had to get out of the house when they were fogging for fleas. I went to the library and ended up sitting in a chair and starting a Patricia Cornwall novel. The heroine was not Kay Scarpetta. She was a Police Chief. And the book started out with her and a bunch of others being roped in my the Mayor to go around giving out Christmas Baskets. They had just left one scheduled stop when the mayor made a detour to a home not on the list. It was the home of a grandmother who was raising a young child whose mother had recently been killed by a drug dealer. While there, the mayor gave the Christmas Baskets and made an excuse to go to the woman's kitchen. A few minutes later there were gunshots out the back and when they got there the drug dealer was dead. I went to go home and found I had left home without my wallet and had no ID on me (especially not my library card). I left and went back the next day and have never been able to find the book again. Many authors have an email address on their website for questions and comments, but not Patricia Cornwall. Any help will be appreciated.

Cam

CamW: Try Fantastic Fiction: http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ They have an amazing number if authors from SF, Mystery, Fantasy and Literature. Each author's listing includes a list of the author's books, chronologically by series when relevant, and clicking on a title brings up a brief description of the book. It is truely a Fantastic site. Good luck. When you find the Scarpetta book, please tell us about it; sounds like one I would like to read.

CAM: I'm with you in finding sources for cheap books. Have you checked out our Book Exchange? There, you only pay the postage.

bought The Last Coyote at a yard sale a few weeks; it's in my pile to read. glad to hear your recommendation, tho I really am becoming a big fan of his.

Just started The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner. Have read several of hers lately and really do like them.

Our local library is having it's annual book sale starting the 12th..and going for 3 days. As a member of the Friends of The Library I got a card in the mail entitling me to a $3.00 discount on my books purchase. great deal. I still have some floor space in my spare room so will have to fill it up with books! I'll let you know how I did.

sleep well eveyrone...that is when you finish reading!!

Had some cataract problems and didn't drive for about a year and a half. Couldn't get to the Post Office very easily. Problems are practically solved and I am driving again. Anyway I did check into the Book Exchange earlier, but will have to try again.

Check out Http://www.paperbackswap.com. If you exchange books you only pay the postage on the ones you send. You get two free books when you join. When someone orders a book, you can print out a wrapper that is addressed and has your return address. Scotch tape it around the book and add postage and away it goes. You can purchase book credits for about $3 each (don't remember the exact amount). I listed over 20 books and only one was requested.

Keep in touch,

Cam

CAM, Cornwell has a short "Andy Brazil" series that I believe has a police chief, or deputy, or something. The book you started may be one of those. The three are "Hornet's Nest", "Southern Cross", and "Isle of Dogs". Any of those sound familiar?

Babi

Just finished Earlene Fowler's newest Benni Harper book "Tumbling Blocks". I enjoyed it but wish she would concentrate more on the mystery and less on Benny's husband Gabe's personal hangups and family problems caused by them. Maybe I'm just getting a little burnt out on the series, because I enjoyed her "stand alone" book much more.

FlaJean: You're right, she is spending too much time on Gabe, et al. I'm not as excited by word of a new Fowler book as I used to be. Think I'll give this one a pass. After reading about how publishing houses and editors are almost dictating the content of their authors' books I wonder if that's where the blame lies when a favorite goes off the tracks.

well, I hit the library annual book sale this morning; took my special book bag that a friend bought me many years ago: big black bag with white lettering of the saying: "some say life is the thing but I prefer reading" Logan Pestsall Smith. came home with 12 books and 1 CD, all for the lovely price of $4.00. (I used my Friends $3.00 off card). Bought several by authors I've not read: The Best of Enemies by Taylor Smith,Birds of Prey by J.A. Jance, In A Strange City by Laura Lippman,The Players Come Again by Amanda Cross, Train Man by P.T. Deutermann, An Isolated Incident by Susan Sloan, Missing Joseph by Elizabeth George and Just One Look by Harlen Coben (sorry gang, but have not read him before...you all have convinced me to begin reading his books). Then, the ones by authors I've read before: The Hearing by John Lescroart, Summer of Fear by T. Jefferson Parker, Time Bomb by Jonathan Kellerman (how did I miss reading this one?!) and Don't Cry Now by Joy Fielding. sorry to be so wordy...just wanted to share all my new treasures with you. This should last me for a little while. Would love to hear if any of you have read stuff by my "unknown to me" authors. well, off to stack my books in an empty space..oh,.just finished The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner...pretty good.

I've read and enjoyed J A Jance, Elizabeth George and Amanda Cross. Missing Joseph (George) is part of a series and best read in order, IMHO. Amanda Cross is the pen name of Carolyn Heilbrun; the stories are about academia (which I love to read about). Sounds like you made out like a bandit!

I thought I read all three of those. However I may have missed it because I thought I had read it.

Does anyone have "Hornet's Nest", "Southern Cross", and "Isle of Dogs"? I would appreciate knowing how each of them starts. I know the heroine was traveling in a group with the Mayor to give out Christmas Baskets. The mayor went off the list and went to the house of a Grandmother who was raising her grandson because her daughter had been shot and killed by a local drug dealer. They did not have enough evidence to arrest him. While in the apartment, the Mayor excused himself and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later there were gunshots and when the group followed up they found the Mayor standing over the dead Drug Dealer with a smoking gun. I don't know what happens next, but if someone tells me one of them starts that way, I will but it now.

Cam

I really like J. A. Jance. She has two protagonists, One is Bo, a Seattle Detective, and the other is Johanna Brady, an Arizona Sheriff. In one of her books, Bo is sent to Arizona on a case that the Sheriff is pursuing and they are both in the book. Kind of cutsey, but not bad. I have read several of Laura Lipman's. They are set in Baltimore (I think I have that right), and since I live in Baltimore. it is somewhat familiar. I started one called (I Believe) 'The Power of Three' and I am having trouble with it. Can't keep going. I love Harlan Coben. Have read several of his. I would also say you made out like a bandit

Have fun reading.

Cam Whetstone

Thanks, Cam!

Somehow I got flipped off.. I have read all of Cornwall and the book is simply not familiar. I have read at least two of the Andy Brazil and hated them. Truly written awful.. She cannot do comedy and thinks she can. I am reading Abigail Padgett. She has only written a few and they are choice. I am rereading The Last Blue Place Special and it is special indeed. Blue is way out there by herself.. I belong to Paperback book swap and use it constantly. I would guess I have been fortunate, but have swapped maybe 45-50 books and received maybe 40 thus far..They seem to have some obscure authors, but it is hard to use if you only like the most popular stuff.

Harlan Coben's The Woods almost kept me up all night. It's audio and I'm usually knitting when I listen but this one I couldn't turn off when the knitting was put away. Haven't finished it yet but it's a goodie.

just finished one of the 12 books I bought at the sale on Friday: An Isolated Incident by Susan R. Sloan. Really did like this one...and it had quite an ending. would read more of hers. Interestingly, there is no author info anywhere in the book. will have to "google" her. I'm now on the second of my "unknown" (to me) authors.,.always enjoy reading/finding previously unread (by me) authors.

While on vacation I completed The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer. I really enjoyed reading it. Then I read Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich and found it a fun fast read. Currently I am reading Spare Changeby Robert B. Parker. It is a Sunny Randall book and I am enjoying it.

By the by I got The Book Of Fate through the PaperBackSwap.com. I haven't posted a lot of books there, so consequently haven't gotten many from the them.

Just finished two more of the Miss Zukas mysteries by Jo Dereske: "Final Notice" (1994) and "Bookmarked to Die" (2006). I would like to have read the series in order but only one of our local branches have a few of them and I wait and wait even 'tho I am number 1 on the list. I think they are so much in demand at that branch they don't want to let them go elsewhere. It's been interesting to see how staid Miss Zukas is learning to unbend and be more tolerant of others as time passes. Also Ruth, Helma's friend, has become more interesting in each book. I ordered the newest book (Catalogue of Death published in April) from Amazon and am now impatiently waiting for that one.

I just read Catalogue of Death. It's good.

I've read Carolyn Hart's "Death on Demand" books, but just finished my first of the Henry O's. Although I missed the Mystery trivia questions, I think I liked Henry O better. It lacks some of the "cutsy" touches that irritate me in the others.

In the Death on Demand series, the character of Max Darling really rubs me the wrong way. I assume she is trying to imitate The Thin Man, but to me, it doesn't work, just clutters up the book. Maybe it's that The Thin Man DOESN'T work in our 21st century culture, or maybe he needs an equally glitzy wife and surroundings to carry it off.

I never like Max Darling either.

I much prefer Henny, but it is Max's mother that needs a good spanking or something. What a pain.. Finally reading the newest paperback of J.D.Robb. Just into the murder, so no clues yet. Just finished another Philip R. Craig.. Vineyard Blues, It was out of sequence, but he is hard to find.

This November 1st, if I get a quorum, I plan on leading a discussion of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"–Oscar Wilde. It will be moved out to "Proposed" September 1st for readers to express their desire to join the discussion. AFTER the novel is discussed, I would like to compare it to the movie of the same name.

And that is the reason I bring it to your attention at this time. You see, TCM ( Turner Classic Movies) will air the movie September 8th at 11:30 P.M. and October 9th at 2:30 A.M. If you are interested, this will give you an opportunity to record the movie. However, the times I listed are for my time zone (Eastern Standard Time) yours may differ. Here is a link to the TMC site.

http://www.tcmdb.com/title/title.jsp?stid=2821

Please check your TV schedule for the airing of the movie in your time zone.

By the way, this novel is one of Barnes and Noble's classics and carries the great introduction associated with their classics along with a mini biography of Oscar Wilde. I purchased my copy at the local Barnes and Noble book store for $4. 95. It can also be purchased on line at the B&N site for the same price.

Bill H

I've finally started a John LesCroart book, "The Hunt Club". So far I'm enjoying it just fine, tho' the descriptions of bureaucratic mindset and foul-ups is somewhat depressing. Fortunately, Wyatt Hunt cheers me up by getting back at some of the major foull-ups.

Babi

My knitting audio book is Tami Hoag's Prior Bad Acts and I am enjoying it. The Liska/Kovac pairing has nice overtones to it without being mushy these people care about one another. I'll read the others in this series. She has so many series! Seems like she wrote bodice rippers in her earlier life. The Deer Lake series looks good too, all two of them.

Yes, Tami Hoag wrote historical romances first, then got into modern romance, then mysteries..One of the reasons I dont read her is that I still feel her mysteries are a bit more on the romance side than I care for. Am reading a Spencer book that I had missed. Hawk was badly injured and he and Spencer are now plotting and tracking.. Interesting.. talking of Ukrainian mobs. More and more I have been reading about Russian mobsters who came legally..... to the US and are ruthless in taking over areas..

I just started the New Harry Potter Book. Pretty good so far!

all the bookies were recommending him when the series began so I read three pages of the first one, decided it was kid stuff and haven't been back since. ;I can't understand what folks like about it. I happened to see part of a very dark scary movie which turned out to be part of it, I don't watch that stuff either. so what else is new.

claire

Sob .. I finished the last Harry Potter and cannot believe she will quit writing. Still she did an excellent job..I like fantasy and she is good at it. She also slyly puts in a lot of good old fashioned values of friends and love and loyalty.. Amazing. Finished the Parker book on Spenser and Hawk.. As always tough guy, but fun except for Susan who should have been dumped years ago.

Broken English is the second book in a series about the Ohio Amish by P L Gaus. I try to imagine living cheek to cheek with folks who eschew Today's world, driving buggies, living without electricity or the combustion engine. These stories leave me with the flavor. City streets clogged with buggies and horses intermixed with the cars. Hitching posts in front of shops. Our standpoint is outside but through the office of Professor Braden we dip our toes into the pond and find it not quite so placie as it seems. Slow paced but suspenseful. I'll keep reading this series. Blood of the Prodigal was the first title.

write under Perri O'shaunessy and after three of their books which are about a woman lawyer living and working in Lake Tahoe, I went to the used bookstore and got all the ones she had, eleven dollars for the bunch. This combination of writer and attorney works very well since the detail of law is good and the writer knows to SHOW DONT TELL and does so with a great deal of self talk instead of narrative.

Makes me wonder about narrative and description. does it get in the way of the story line?

Winsum: Seems like narrative and description should be elements that further the plot line. But I've never studied literary analysis and find myself seriously lacking in same.

I haven't either. that's result of creative writing classes and personal preference. these have narrative but as you say it furthers the story and at this point I'm on the second one and it's having to play catchup with the end of the first. good job, but then I've already decided I like the protagonist .

claire

I grew up with Amish as our nearest neighbors in Delaware. That area has Amish and Mennonites.. The Amish use buggies, the Mennonites sometimes do and sometimes use cars.. Anyway They are wonderful kind people who keep to themselves, but always are willing to help anyone out. They also are probably the finest specialty carpenters in creation. Anyone who has their kitchens cabinets knows they have a thing of beauty forever.

Carpenter skills play a part in Broken English. There is a bad guy in jail, his trial is coming up. A former Special Forces/CIA vet is the father of the girl the bad guy killed. To protect the criminal Amish carpenters are called in to create a "cell" adjacent to the courtroom. It is not a big element but the matter of fact way they complete their tasks speaks volumes about their work. An admirable people who seem to have vast stores of tolerance for the English, i.e., non-Amish, though their lives are strictly circumscribed. In Blood of the Prodigal Professor Braden is brought deeply into the lives of a particularly strict community. It is an excellent introduction to the Amish life.

Remember that excellent movie about the Amish boy who witnessed a crime while visiting in the city? I think the title was "Witness". One of the most memorable scenes in the movie, to my mind, was the barn raising by the collective Amish community. It had a warmth and beauty to it that implanted it firmly in my memory.

Babi

Just finished reading "Catering to no one" by Diane Davidson. It must be one of her early ones, she meets Det Schulze(?) in this one, who of course in the other books i've read is her husband. It is not as well written as her later books, less "tight" and consise in the writing, but a good read.

Also just read "Lean,Mean Thirteen," Evanovich's new book, in just 24 hours and i had company and cooked dinner for 8 in those 24 hours!! This one is HILARIOUS! I laughed out loud more times than i have since the first one. Ranger is more prominent than he has been in the past. I wish they'd get the movie out......altho' i'm now thinking that with all these books, they should make a tv series......jean

I've been reading light mysteries that concern knitting, my latest passion. Knit fast, die young was good and I've just gotten an earlier one from the Library... Died in the Wool .

The author is Mary Kruger who's also done a Gilded Age mystery series, I understand.

jane

Knitting Circle is more like chick lit but I enjoyed it. Also Debbie Macomber's knitting book, can't remember the name.

I started Friday Night Knitting Circle or Club or whatever it was called, but it didn't grab me so back to the Library it went. I've not read any Macomber so will have to see if they have anything by her.

At my age, if the book doesn't grab me, back it goes. Life's too short to use paper napkins or read books I don't enjoy.

That's my philosophy on napkins and books.

Did you mean "cloth" napkins? tee hee.

If you haven't read Jodi Picoult's Plain Truth, try it. It gives an excellent picture about Amish and Mennonite groups who live near each other--and has a great mystery, too. Sue

Nope, I don't use paper napkins. I have a slew of very nice cloth napkins and I use them all the time. They're easy to wash and fold and use. If we have something that's particularly messy, then it's a much heavier paper towel, but not those flimsy paper things.

Personal "weirdness" of mine.

Jane: My sister won't use paper tissues; there are so many colorful handkerchiefs, she says, and it is no trouble to wash them. If you shop estate sales, as I do, there are usually nice napkins and handkerchiefs available.

Paper tissues are best when you have a cold. But I should get out and use some of my hankies. They wouldn't shred in my purse. lol

I also use cloth napkins....make my 99 cent placemats look a little bit more "elegant"!!!

Just finished reading another of the 12 books I purchased at my library book sale a few weeks ago. In A Strange City by Laura Lippman - a Tess Monaghan, PI story (first of this series I've read). takes place in Baltimore, revolved around Edgar Allen Poe. Lots of great info on Baltimore and Poe; story is so-so..light read but might just try another of hers.

A friend just gave me an Iris Johansen, Long After Midnight, which is now in my basket of books to read. Actually, I have two baskets of books to read....what fun!

HURRAH...I've found another cloth napkin user!!! See, my "personal weirdness" is shared by at least one other person on this planet!!

Other light mysteries I'm enjoying are those about Molly Forrester, columnist in the Dear Abby tradition, but an investigative 'wannabee"...by Sheyl Anderson. Light and fun reading for me.

I always use cloth napkins and was dismayed when our sons grew up and married, that they or their wives would not even consider it. Oh well, we love our cloth ones and I even still have my damask ones for big dinners. Just finished the Saturday book in the Ann Purser series. Was seriously dismayed. She must be getting bored. It was bad enough that I will have to consider whether I want to read another. Now am on the Owls..one from the writer who uses birds in her titles. Now that one is flatout funny.. I have been laughing out loud at her version of the worlds largest garage sale and a murder in the middle of it.. Great fun.

Jane, our family has used cloth napkins since the 70's and "earth day." They are especially nice outside, don't blow away like paper napkins do. So I can take my book out on the deck with a glass of tea and a snack and enjoy the fine weather and whatever mystery has my attention.

N

I've found my "cloth napkins" club!!

I'm finding myself always wishing my favorite mystery writers would write faster, and I really miss my old favorites...now long dead...Rex Stout, Emma Lathen (who was really two women, college profs, I think), Helen MacInnes (the queen of espionage novels, I think,).

Their books were always such a joy and you didn't have the sex and gore that I think so many current writers add that destroy the imagination of the reader.

jane

bought used book store for eleven dollars seven Perri O'shaunhessy legal thrillers by the sisters pam and amry one a writer the other a lawyer. I love the series protagonist, NINA, can't put this down, the second in thre days. the phone has been ringing off the hook yesterday and the day before when I advertised for a personal assistent, so I've been interrupted. . . resented it and stopped answering. could have been fifty calls. I need a shopper anad other small stuff. It seems the world is full of people who want to HELP and get PAID. might be a good theme for a mystery.

I use paper towels at meal time eat on an art board with a handle in my recliner in front of tv in my big bedroom. very comfortable. Don't care for elegant. gave the good china and crystal glasses away twenty years agol so now my daughter stores that stuff. also the silver. my mom cared. I tried it out when I first inherited it. too much truble and not my style. Papernapkins work only they cost more than paper towels.. I have some and forget to use them.

I just made the assumption Jane was talking about paper napkins when she first made the remark--because she doesn't waste time on a book she can't get into. Wrong assumption.

And now I see lots of people are in the cloth napkin club. I always use cloth napkins for company--have to iron most of them the day of the dinner party. However, I do have several sets of wash and wear cloth napkins--and I think I'll start using them for every day. I've resolved to do more to reduce CO2 emissions and this might help.

I wonder if anyone has been murdered with cloth napkins (in a mystery, of course!)? Sue

Hmmmm...probably...sounds like a good old Nero Wolfe plot, doesn't it. [The cloth napkins are because they make me feel good mostly, and they're no trouble, go in with the other colored things when I wash, and I'm not throwing away things or paying to buy something and throw it away..and ...well, I'm WORTH a cloth napkin...even if I'm just having a turkey sandwich at my little dining room table.]

Jane: Yes, you are worth it. I'm now a convert to cloth napkins. We already use bar towels in the kitchen in addition to paper towels. How silly. Bar towels are so inexpensive at Costco and estate sales are good for linens of various types for little cost.

Jane, I have read all the Emma Lathen books I could find. I hadn't thought of that author(s) in years. I have several Helen MacInnes hardback books which I re-read every couple of years.

I just finished the latest Miss Zukas book "Catalog of Death". I enjoyed it but not as much as some of the earlier ones.

I've only read a couple Miss Zukas and I find her an awful stereotype of a Librarian that hopefully vanished a hundred years ago. She's an embarrassment to me as a Librarian.

I'm hoping she changes a bit, as the stories go on.

Oh.. Nero and Archie. How I loved the whole series and have read and reread.. Emma Lathen too, although she was really two ladies.. I too wish that some of our older writers were still around. I even wish good old John MacDonald were still doing the colors.

Yes, I loved his work, too.

Well, I'm not much of a mystery fan but I am a cloth napkin club member. Loathe the paper variety and use the linen and damask all the time. - the good china and glassware too - I see no point in having them sitting in a cupboard. Was gratified years ago when the topic of cloth vs paper cropped up and my son, then aged about 22 proclaimed loudly that he really couldn't see anything wrong with 'white linen' - today,he's well into his 40s, a strong giant of a man and still of the same mind. Chip off the old block, as they say...

thought about you folks as I was using my blue cloth napkin while I ate on my TV table last nite!! what fun

finished another of my l2 recent purchases: The Best of Enemies by Taylor Smith. She's a new author for me. wasn't bad; FBI/CIA/Terrorists/bombs/etc...but a few different twists and turns. would read another of hers.

I'm a "cloth napkin member", too. They just feel better than paper when I get messy--which is often. <sigh>

Phyll: I've been thinking about getting myself a bib. Would save a lot of laundry.

Jackie, I know that feeling. I cannot seem to manage not to drop a spot of various edibles during the day.. Especially if I have on white.. Am considering buying spotty clothes. That way it would blend in.

I have just returned from a trip to Oregon for my sister's 50th wedding anniversary. I had taken a book by D.W.Buffa, but finished it. I found a book in our room by Catherine Coulter, "Target". I am enjoying it so much and hope to read more by her.

A judge is in a mountain cabin in Colorado to get away from the paparazzi. He is being honored for being a hero for capturing someone in his courtroom. On the remote mountain, he finds a little girl who is bleeding and who has been beaten and raped. He decides to nurse her back to health rather than call the local authorities. Her mother finds them and is about to shoot him when the little girl who until then has been mute, tells her mother that he isn't the one who kidnapped her or hurt her. Anyway, a good read and I recommend it.

http://www.catherinecoulter.com/text/fbi_series.htm

is a political activist for the other side a bush lover and I don't like her very much although long a go I read a couple of her books and she CAN write. and she's very PRETTY. which is why people put her on talk shows and listen to her DRIBBLE.

Claire....don't you mean ANN Coulter, not Catherine Coulter?

I don't think they're the same woman....

http://www.catherinecoulter.com/text/biography.htm

http://www.anncoulter.com/

you're right and now I know the difference thank you. claire

Whew! That's a relief. Now I can add her to my list.

Ann Coulter herself is a mystery to me!!! and it's a mystery why she's so popular...yes, I'm not a fan of Bush but...this lady is just plain mean.I applauld differences but this lady doesn't play fair or nice..to anyone. oh well, enough about that.

just started on another of my 12...The Players Come Again by Amanda Cross. First of hers I've read...must say that it's starting kinda slow, but I'll stick with it. I think some folks here have sung her praises so I'm continuing on.

now, I have to fold my napkin and put it back on the table (terrible habit I have of eating in front of the TV)

I am a fan of Ann Coulter-- There is pro and con to every issue and she gives her opinion which is totally opposite main stream media and I find that refreshing.

I read all of Amanda Cross years ago. A good writer and a wonderful protagonist. Oh me, I cannot even watch if they show Ann Coulter. I simply cannot take anyone conservative or liberal who does nothing but attack and viciously.. To disagree is fine, but to slander others with your mouth is horrid.

Peace and Stephanie - I agree w/ everything you said about Ann Coulter. I thoroughly enjoy a many-sided discussion and the differing opinions that come from that, but Ann is vicious and untruthful and nobody challenges her deplorable statements. She is the descendant of the malciousness that started - IMO - w/ Archie Bunker and has led to the uncivil behavior that is accepted today......also the reason I've stopped being a talk-show, especially news talk-show, junkie......I just don't need to hear such negative talk at this stage of my life....jean

I just finished the Catherine Coulter book and it was good right to the end. I would recommend "Target" for everyone who enjoys a good mystery.

I just finished the thirdd Nina book in the series and luckily I have the next one in my bunch from the used book store. having a senior moment trying for the author. they are sister pam whois a 16 year attory or was and mary a write and editor of multimedia something or other . will fill in when I remember. The setting for most of them is in Lake Tahoe. makes me want to live there. also carmel and monterey. . .the beautiful places California offers. Of course San Clemente isn't bad either. got it Perri O'Shaunhessy is the name of the authors.

claire

Just finished a fun read.. Best Served Cold by Jimmy Ruth Evans ( I suspect that is not a true name). Subtitled Trailer Park mysteries and great fun.. Not much mystery but a lot of character and plot twists.

I'm almost finished with Meredith Blevins The Hummingbird Wizard, which someone here recommended. It has a bunch of weird characters and events, somewhat on the Janet Evanovich/Stephanie Plum line. Most of the characters are Gypsies. It's been fun to read..and it is also a who-dun-it.

Babi

seems to me Jimmie Ruth might be the name of a real old timey Trailer Park resident. Did it take place in the South? Lots of double names down here. Sue

I love Meredith Blevins and have read two of hers. Someone here started me on her, but dont know who. I know being a southerner about two names, but once you read the book, you will see what I mean. Something about the writing reminds me of a more familiar writer. Not sure why.

is still in hardcover which I wouldn't want if someone gave it to me. to hard for me to manage these days. so o o I'm waiting for it to come out in paperback and for people to read it in one sitting and then turn it in at my book exchange store. I probably should put a hold on it for when it comes in but right now I'm still involved with the O'Shauhnessy sisters and Nina Rielly at Lake Taho. got two left in the series. The next after these is a stand alone mystery with new characters. I hate that. . .losing everyone I've come to know.

claire

I have just begun reading Tami Hoag's "Kill the Messinger". It is about a bike messenger in Los Angeles who is given a packet late on a rainy day. Then, someone tries to run him down in order to get it. He is an orphan who lives in LA's Chinatown. He chose it so that he could feel safe when his mother died.

GoldenStatePoppy ~ I think I read and enjoyed Kill the Messenger. But, it was quite awhile ago that I read it so can't remember that much about it.

Shop 'til You Drop, by Elaine Viets, was a surprise. The cover art had lead me to believe that it would be a ditzy blonde bimbo stumbling her way through a lame mystery, coming out safely by the skin of her teeth (do you think I've used enough cliches?). Wrong. She is a 40-year-old who has been done wrong, struggling to keep herself in roof and food by working in dead end jobs. This one is a Rodeo Drive type dress shop in Fort Lauderdale. Viets really skewers the anorexics who live off their sugar daddies, most of whom have questionable morality since, to start with, they are usually married. I like the characters, their dialogue is crisp and lively, they can laugh at themselves and their vulnerable in ways we can identify with. They're caring and supportive to one another's needs. Need I say that they are all women? Men do get short shrift in this book. No blood, no steamy sex, really enjoyable all the way around. I'll read the rest of the Dead End Jobs series, looking forward to the next one with anticipation. Thanks, Stephanie, for recommending these.

sorry Amanda Cross lovers....I have tried to continue her book The Players Come Again but it just 'aint workin'. There is so much praise for her so maybe I'll try again sometime down the road. I just started another of my 12, Harlan Coben's Juse One Look and I'm hooked already! first of his I've read but if this is any example, well, I'll find more.

Amanda Cross's output was very uneven; one book i would love, the next was just sooo slooow. Seems I liked the earlier ones better than the later ones.

I just read two of Elaine Viets books because of someone's suggestion here. Thanks, they were fun and I'll continue reading the series.....nice to read about a normal, struggling (economically) woman for a change. I seem to have been thru a group of upper class (Eve - J.D.Robb) protagonists lately....so i'm back to Diane Davidison, Viets, Susan Albert. All are always enjoyable.......and of course, Evanovich......Claire, i look for the paperbacks too and get them as often as i can. My thumbs begin to hurt while holding hard-copies.......Jean

I also enjoyed Kill The Messinger

I liked my introduction to Harlan Coben, too, PEACE. I'll be reading more of his books.

I remember seeing a movie about a bike messenger that someone was trying to kill, but I can't remember the name of it. Was Hoag's "Kill the Messenger" made into a movie, I wonder?

Babi

Knitting mystery author Maggie Sefton has a new one, A Killer Stitch. I really like her series about this group of knitters in Fort Connor, Colorado.

Babi ~ I just checked the nets movie database (IMDb) and Kill the Messenger wasn't there, so it probably wasn't made into a movie.

I have read all of the Viets series. I like them, but now she has a boyfriend and he is somewhat weird at best. I love Harlen Coben. Both the series and the stand alone. I am reading the third Ann McMillan book. Both a mystery and the civilwar in Richmond background makes them compelling.

Stephanie, I love the Ann Mcmillan series. What about the Martha Grimes series? I think all of the titles are about pubs, not sure. I started one called The Blue Last. It's really, really good.

Thanks, GAJ. I'm sure there have been other movies/books/TV shows featuring delivery messengers careening thru' the city on bikes/motorcycles.

Babi

hit a few yard sales this morning; of course, I was "forced" to buy a few books! actually I did rather well, only buying 2, one by John J> Nance and one by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg.now I'm heading back to my Harlen Coben...really am hooked on this one and will definitely read more of his.

I will have to try Harlan Coben.

There is a series about a 92-year-old woman living on Martha's Vineyard who is a part-time deputy. The Cranefly Orchid Murders is the title of the one I just listened to while knitting. There are several others, all bearing names of flowers, which I shall read/listen to. Added to the Philip Craig Vineyard series it makes the place sound like it would be fun to live there, but I guess you'd have to be a millionaire to buy there now.

Mrs. Sherlock, I remember reading a book about the 92 year old woman on Martha's Vineyard several years ago and enjoyed it. I had forgotten about it and will go back and see what others have been written. I also enjoy the Philip Craig Vineyard series. Been busy helping my husband with repainting the kitchen and haven't been reading much lately--the bathroom is next.

Hello everyone, I am new to the group. I love mysteries, thrillers, suspense and crime. Do you ever have a discussion on a particular book or author? I read a lot of Patterson, Koontz, Preston, etc. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and participate in the group.

Hats, I used to read Martha Grimes, but then they got very much the same and I did get tired of the characters. So rarely peek in nowadays. I found the Elizabeth George last one on my bookswap group so am waiting for it to come.

When I have time, I am going to read Elizabeth George. You are tempting me.

Welcome to the group, flknight. We discuss all types of mysteries here. Some prefer the cozies and others, the action type. I am currently reading "Kill the Messinger" by Tami Hoag. It is about a bike messenger in Los Angeles. He is suspected of a murder and so takes off on his bike. This is definitely an action type book, and I can recommend it.

lkknight: Welcome again. We read all sorts here. I going to crow because I just got the latest C H Box, Free Fire. This is a series about a Montana State Ranger and the crimes he is involved with. It is a good series, best read in chronological order. Lee Child is another author I'm reading lately. Tami Hoag, Ann Purser, Kate Wilhelm are others I can think of off the top of my head. What are you reading now?

I just finished "Kill the Messinger" and WOW, what a surprise ending. I still recommend it.

welcome flknight...I'm somewhat new here but have always felt welcome...and in friendly "mystery" company...I'm currently reading a Harlen Coban, Just One Look and I am loving it...I'm a fan of Granfton, Michael Connelly, Koontz (tho must admit it's been a while since I've read any of his)...let us know what you're reading...always fun to add new authors/titles to my "to read" list..and believe me that list has grown a whole lot since I began posting here! again. welcome

Hi flknight.. I am just finishing an Ann McMillan. Not a best seller name, but she writes about the civil war in Richmond and works a mystery and a lot of history in the same books.If you like history and the civil war and the Virginians attitude about the war, you will like her. I read pretty much all of the popular authors as well, but have been working recently on some of the oldie but goodie authors.. Bruce Alexander is a good example of that.

I have read Kill the Messanger. I really like Tami Hoag. Her Ashes to Ashes is good and so is Guilty as Sin. I am currently reading Bag of Bones by Steven King that my daughter-in-law loaned me. Next I have Into the Fire by David Wiltse, but have never read anything by him before. Then back to good ole Koonts and Intensity. Have any of you read Douglas Preston- The Codex? Steve Berry has two really great books, the Third Secret and the Amber Room. Another great book is Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. As you can see, I read alot. I read just about a book a week, so usually buy my books at the local flea market or thrift shop. Get them for about .25 cents a book. You guys have given me some new leads on books to read and I really appreciate that. I like to try new authors but hesitate when I don't know what I am looking for. I am really going to enjoy hearing about all the books everyone is reading.

Bruce Alexander's books are fascinating, he seems to be right there in jolly old England. I like historical mysteries very much, getting the feel of those times is like taking a trip to the past.

Somehow I got the idea that Bruce Alexander was a pen name for Shirley Wittig Albert's husband and it was reinforced by the fact that since Alexander's death I have not seen any of the Robin Paige books, written by Albert and her husband. Well, I looked Alexander up on a neat site I just found, who-dunnit ( http://www.who-dunnit.com/), where I was set straight. Alexander's writing, in The Price of Murder, was described as Dickens-like in the bio. The writing of all his books really captivated me. BYW, SWA's husband is Bill Albert, co-author of the Robin Paige books. SWA writes the China Bayles series as well as the new Beatrix Potter series. I'll read anything she writes !

I order my mysteries from Amazon.com. They have used books as well as new ones. Usually I get them for $.01 plus shipping. I order five yesterday all for $.01 except one. These are the ones I ordered:

Harlan Coben, "Gone for Good"
Susan Dunlap, "Sudden Exposure"
Brad Meltzer, "The Book of Fate"
Iris Johansen,"Long After Midnight"
Michael McGarrity, "Serpent Gate (Kevin Kerney Novels)"

Total cost: $20.79

Some of my favorite authors are: Camille Minichino (The Period Tables Mysteries) She is also starting a new series coming out in Feb. called The Dollhouse Mysteries. She will be writing as Margaret Grace.

Margaret Maron is another favorite of mine and has a new book coming out later this month.

Donna Leon writes about a policeman in Venice, Italy.

Alexander McCall Smith has a new #1 Ladies Detective Agency book out called "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive". I'm looking forward to reading this.

I have a number of authors whom I really like. When they release a new book, I want it. That means a hard cover (which costs more) and all else. At least the shipping stays the same. However I found a way to get the new books and not go as broke. When a new book by one of my authors comes out, I check with Zooba (www.zooba.com) and see if it is in. When they announce it, I can order it for $9.99 (Including Shipping!!!)I can find older books used and new at Amazon but the shipping is $3.99, and the new books are usually around $15. Zooba cuts that price in half. Check it out and see what I mean. You can list a bunch of books and they will send one to you every month. I managed to get my join-up date to coincide with my SS Check. Makes it easier for me.

Cam

Brad Meltzer's The Book of Fate is a great book! Haven't read any by Harlan Coben but from what I see posted here he is a good writer.

I am eclectic in my reading so have lots of favorite authors.

Lee Child

Jack Higgins

Susan Grafton

Janet Evanovich

Jeffery Archer

David Baldacci

Lawrence Block

Dick Francis

Loren D. Estleman
to name just a few. lol Some haven't written a new book in a while, but new authors often fill in the spaces they leave.

Lee Child, W. E. B. Griffin, Susan Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Jeffery Archer, J. D. Robb, Tom Clancy, Dick Francis, Sara Paretski, Meg Cabot, Patricia Cornwell, James Lee Burke, Mary Higgins Clark, Nevada Barr, Margaret Maron, Sue Henry, Faye and Jonathan Kellerman, Michael McGarrity, Catherine Coulter (FBI Series), Aimee Thurlo, J. A. Jance, Lisa Scottoline, Linda Barnes, and Lilian Braun

This is not a complete list. Some authors I can't think of until I see their name in print.

Cam Whetstone

Funny, I love Susan Wittig Alberts herb books, but I hated Robin Paige.. Just never even finished the book. No idea why I like one so much and then not the other. I am reading yet another Philip R. Craig book. He writes and writes and writes, but I do like the Vinyard and the different stories.

Charlaine Harris' new series about Harper COnnelly is out; Grave Surprise. Harper, a recovered victim of a lightening strike, finds dead bodies. She can also tell what was the cause of death. A professor invites her to perform for his class as a 200 year old cemetary (the cemetary records have been recently discovered and sealed), expecting her to fail. He is dismayed when she succeeds until one grave contains the remains of a girl when there should be a boy. Further "digging" by Harper reveals that the girl is recently dead and she is above the bones of the boy who is indeed buried there. Great read! First book in this series was Grave Sight.

GINNYANN, I was in the mood for a Western last week, and picked up a Loren Estleman pb. A class act! None of the stereotyping that plagues so many westerns. The characters were entirely believable people, and the author didn't even find it necessary to come up with a love interest for his protaganist during this tale.

Babi

Babi: Have you read C J Box? He writes about a state game warden in Wyoming (I thought it was Montana). Lots of horse back riding, back country to and froing, nice characters (he has a family). This one's a real puzzler: A man commits a murder in an area of Yellowstone where there are no inahabitants. Yellowstone's charter specifies that a criminal can be tried only by his fellow residents (tilt). Our guy, Joe Pickett, is picked by the governor to try to find an answer to this puzzle.

I just finished Leisure Book's "Riders of the Purple Sage" as Zane Grey originally wrote it. A very interesting story. Apparently they are going back to Grey's manuscripts for some of his best loved works to publish them as he wrote them. I will be getting some of the others as time goes on. Cheers. Ray.

poppy: you mentioned Long After Midnight by Iris Johansen - was looking thru my "to read" box and..there it was! a friend read it a while back and passed it on to me. you made my selection process easy.

Just finished my first Harlan Coben and wow! I will definitely read more of his.

So many authors I enjoy along with many of those mentioned here (will try and jot down some not mentioned): T. Jefferson Parker, Nelson DeMille(one of my absolute favorites), Peter Straub, Ridley Pearson(new one just out), Joseph Wambaugh(finally has a new one out after several years), Peter Lovesey, Dennis LeHane, Ed McBain, John Lescroart, Lisa Scotiline, Lisa Gardner, John Dunning, James Grippando, Bill PronziniI(think he's married to Marcia Muller).

well I could go on and on but these are a few

well, off to start my new one!

I love Charlaine Harris and have read the first one of the new series, but can hardly wait for this new one. I am a Sookie fan as well. She makes me laugh and understand her problems. Silly but true.

I don't recall reading any about a Wyoming game warden, JACKIE. That law in the Yellowstone charter seems odd. Is that for real? Obviously there were at least two people there, the murderer and the victim, tho' I suppose the victim could be a tourist. Was the murderer a resident there? Let me know how this works out.

RAY, I devoured every Zane Grey ever written when I was a kid, and thought them wonderful. I picked one up many years later, and found the prose a bit over-fulsome. I couldn't help being a bit disappointed, since I had such fond memories of those books.

Babi

I've read at least one fo C. J. Box's books. I will probably read more. I liked it, but didn't love it. I just finished Michael McGarrity's latest. I've read most of his. I really like his books. i couldn't put it down. I stopped reading Cathrine Coulters latest FBI book to start and finish it. Now I'll go back to Coulter. She is good, but he is better.

Cam

Well, I finished Intensity by Dean Koontz and it was not as good as it sounded from the back cover. Now Im reading Into the Fire by David Wiltse so will let everyone one know if I thought it was a good read. Glad to get the info on the book site (Zooba) and going to check it out after I finish here. Everyone have a great day!

I am reading a book by a Chloe Green. I note on the publish page another name for the copyright.. It is odd , but somewhat interesting. A lot of fashion and styling tips, so definitely chic lit.But a little mystery as well.

Stephanie: Chic Lit? Love it. Thanks for the laugh.

Just finished McCall Smith's latest No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive". Enjoyed it as I always do that particular series. I just started Charlaine Harris' "Grave Surprise". So far it is so interesting I can hardly put it down. Thank you Mrs. Sherlock for suggesting it. I wasn't able to get the first book in the series but will try to read it when it becomes available at the library.

Just read one of Carolyn Hart's "Henry O" series: "Murder in Lovers Lane". Think it is the best Hart I've read. A student is murdered while doing a project on three unrelated unsolved mysteries, so Henry P (her professor) must solve them all to find out which was the motive. It hooked me at once.

Henry O is definitely more fun than the Annie Laurie stuff. Not quite so gooey. Reading Echo Park by Michael Connelly. I love Harry. He is so flat out determined.. and Kiz is a good foil for him.

I am also reading a Michael Connelly story, "Trunk Music". I find that I have mixed feelings toward Harry Bosch. He is so violent and refuses to let anything or anyone get in his way to solve a murder. He is always interesting, and does the unexpected.

just finished Long After Midnight by Iris Johansen - not great but not bad either...have read a couple others of hers, but I couldn't tell you what they were! - now off to my "to read" basket - have a couple of Michael Connelly's in there; maybe I'll just close my eyes and take whatever comes up. have a relaxing, peaceful Sunday everyone

From our local newspaper today:

"Final Undertaking" by Mark de Castrique. This is the fourth entry in this series about Barry Clayton, a cop who returns to his North Carolina hometown to run the family business -- a mortuary -- when his father develops Alzheimer's. The local sheriff is shot by a distraught old man and Barry is deputized to run things while the sheriff is out of action.

The action soon focuses on drug use among the senior population, the the underlying action is about Barry's struggle. He loves law enforcement work, despite the time it takes from his business. "In all, he comes across as a good guy dealing with a big load.

Sounds like an author I would like to pick up. Will look for him.

I don't know how many this will apply to but on ABC this fall there is going to be a series based on James Patterson's "Womens Murder Club" books. I am really looking forward to it. Right now I am reading Brian Haig's Private Sector. I couldn't get through Into the Fire. So switched. Hope everyone has a really great day. Karan

Thanks for the new names for my library searches. My sister urged me to read Bentz Plagemann's The Boxwood Maze and S F X Dean's Not My Grave so I just picked them up at the library.

I used to read Patterson, but I find I just cannot any more. Tried in Mary Mary, but no go. I just cannot deal with the ego trip any more.

I heard on TV that there is going to be a series in the Fall, based on Patterson's books.

Rhys Bowen has a new series; first one is Her Royal Spyness. I'll let you know how it is, but I have high hopes, her other series are so good.

I just finished Lee Child's latest Jack Reacher Book. Was not turned on by the ending. However I liked the book.

I am currently reading Faye Kelerman's 'Burnt House.' I like both Jonathan and her books. I have Peri Oshaughnessy's Unfit to Practice. Will be getting to that soon as well as Catherine Coulter's Impulse.I hope to not finish them before August 28th when I can buy some more books.

If I set my mind to it, I could have them read by the weekend. My neighbor just told me she could take some more books. I gathered up a bunch (about 20 or so) that I have finished and dropped them off. A month or so ago she told me she was way ahead of the curve so I wasn't looking to her for relief. I read a lot and don't ever like to discard books, but I don't mind donating them to friends or family. One of my friends sells a lot of books, etc, on eBay. So she is always a possibility.

Anyone interested in the books I've read. I can make a list if you email me (cam@camw.com).

Cam .

CAM, do you know about the Book Exchange here on SN? That's always a good place to find people who might like some of your books. You can find it under 'Books & Literature'. (See the "You Are Here:" bar. There is one at the top & bottom of the page.)

Babi

Has anyone here read Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper? I started it yesterday and when I went to bed last night I couldn't put it down. It was a fascinating glimpse of a family coping with a terminally ill child--I don't want to say anymore, but it was a real page turner--and the ending was such a shock. I cried for about 10 minutes!

I'd read Plain Truth earlier for a book club and next Tuesday a different club is reading books by her to compare. I think she is a super young writer, not particularly mysteries, although there have been hidden aspects, sort of like mysteries in these 2. Sue

I ordered five book from Amazon on August 5th. They have already charged it to my charge card. But, I am mystified as to why the books haven't arrived yet. I suspect it is slow mail delivery since I have always had good luck in the past, receiving the books within a few days. However, I moved in April and although I gave them my updated address, that may be the problem.

Right now I have 2 books waiting to be read. They are both from the library. Sandra Brown's Play Dirty and Steve Hamilton's A Cold Day in Paradise. The library had notified me they were in so Ray picked them up for me when he was returning a book he had read. Has anyone read either of them?

just finished The Other Daughter by Lisa Gardner; really liked this one; lots of twists and turns. ending kinda wraps a bit too neatly and quickly but still a good read. Am becoming a fan of hers. Just started Sleeping Lady by Sue Henry - An Alex Jensen Alaska Mystery. She's a new author for me; I'll let you know how it goes. Am also reading Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah. More romance than mystery but it's ok.

Golden State Poppy.. You should be able to track your books from Amazon. They generally give you the tracking number. UPS is wonderful if you have the track number. USPS as always does not do a good tracking job, but then again, when do they do a good job. I belong to a paperback swap club and their newest and stupidest rule is that if a package is over 13 ounces, you can no longer mail it with stamps. YOu have to take it in person to the post office, so they can decide if you are a safe person to mail. I have never been so insulted in my life.. I bought a postal scale, and weigh all of my books.. If they are under 13 ounces, I put the weight clearly at the bottom of the package , affix the correct postage and leave it for my postal carrier. She takes them, thank heaven.

We always pay the extra and use the USPS tracking every time we mail a package (which is often) and so far haven't had a problem. Am reading Charlaine Harris' "Grave Sight". Interesting!

Just finished "Justice Denied" by Jance. This is one of her J.P. Beaumont detective mysteries. It was really terrific! Moved so quickly that I couldn't put it down. I love J. P. anyway. This one had a great plot and takes you right up to the end of the book. J.P. and his significant other, Mel Soames, do some super detecting as they work on separate cases, which gradually meld into one. Not any "gory" violence, only implied sexuality, so all in all, one super detective story. I give it a ten on my "book-o-meter!! Run, don't walk to your library to get this one, or get on the list.

The discussions are on the new site now, including Mystery. Meanwhile, we can post here til Sept 1. But if any of you haven't, I urge you to get on the new site now. You'll need time before the old one disappears to make sure you can get on OK and can post. There are places here where you can ask for help, but once this site is gone, if you can't get on the new one, who you gonna call? (I don't think Ghostbusters makes house calls).

Once you're on, and can get around, there are "help" sites.